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Atty. James Wood Smith

Atty. James Wood Smith

Sigma Nu; Phi Delta Phi; Blue Key; Phi Eta Sigma. Georgia Survey Editor, Mercer Law Review, 1973-1974.

Hinesville Hinesville 52 yrs experience 52 year
Call (877) 638-7018 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James Wood Smith at a glance

James Wood Smith is a Member based in Hinesville, Georgia, practicing at Ratcliffe & Smith, P.C.. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on probate, estate planning, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Georgia (1974). Educated at Mercer University (J.D., 1974) and Mercer University (A.B., 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of Georgia American Bar Association (Member, Litigation Section) Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Serands clients in Hinesville, GA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Sigma Nu
  • Phi Delta Phi
  • Blue Key
  • Phi Eta Sigma
  • Georgia Survey Editor, Mercer Law Review, 1973-1974

Practice Areas Explained

James Wood Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Wood Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Probate

James Wood Smith is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Georgia →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

James Wood Smith is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Georgia →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Wood Smith is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Georgia →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

James Wood Smith is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Georgia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Georgia

Practicing law in Georgia. Legal matters in Georgia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Hinesville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Georgia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Georgia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Georgia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Georgia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Hinesville or all attorneys in Georgia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James Wood Smith

Where is James Wood Smith's law office located?
James Wood Smith's law practice is located in Hinesville, Georgia. The firm is Ratcliffe & Smith, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Wood Smith handle?
James Wood Smith focuses on probate, estate planning, business, real estate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Georgia.
How long has James Wood Smith practiced law?
James Wood Smith has 52+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1974.
Where did James Wood Smith go to law school?
James Wood Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1974); (A.B., 1971).
How can I contact James Wood Smith for a consultation?
You can contact James Wood Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Wood Smith received?
James Wood Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Mercer University
- 1974
A.B.
Mercer University
- 1971

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Georgia
Admitted: 1974

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